Special Cases for Capitalizing

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Special Cases for Capitalizing

Sentence after a Colon

The first word of sentence following a colon is capitalized.

Correct: Grapes were not squeezed for juice: The pulp was pressed.
(A complete sentence follows the colon.)
Incorrect: Please bring the following items to work tomorrow: A grab-bag gift, a goofy hat, and a smile.
(A list follows the colon, not a sentence. No capital is needed.)

Poetry

The first word in each line of most poetry is capitalized.

The Words I and O

The single-letter words I and O are always capitalized.

Note: The word O is used in direct addresses (as in “O Tannenbaum” or “O Pioneers!”) The word oh is an interjection expression surprise (as in “Oh, look, Jane!”)

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